Wild hare hunting Morocco: A Hunter’s Tale from the Wild Plains

I still remember the morning air—cool, dry, and laced with the scent of wild thyme. The sun hadn’t yet crested the horizon when we set out across the scrublands near Benslimane, rifles slung, dogs eager, and hearts pounding. Hare hunting in Morocco isn’t just a sport—it’s a ritual, a test of patience, instinct, and respect for the land. --- 🐇 The Moroccan Hare: Elusive and Legendary The North African hare (Lepus capensis) is a master of deception. Unlike rabbits, hares don’t burrow—they rely on camouflage and speed. Their lean bodies and powerful hind legs make them lightning-fast across rocky terrain. In Morocco, they’re most active at dawn and dusk, preferring solitude and silence. Locals say, “If the hare ran straight, no man could catch it.” And they’re right. These hares thrive in grasslands, vineyards, cork oak forests, and even semi-arid zones. They’re solitary, nocturnal, and notoriously clever. You won’t find them in packs—but you’ll find their tracks, if you know where to look. --- 🎯 The Hunt: Tradition Meets Terrain We hunted using the walk-up method, with trained pointers sweeping the brush. The dogs froze—statues in motion—then flushed the hare from cover. It darted left, then right, zigzagging through the scrub. I raised my 20-gauge shotgun, led the shot, and fired. Dust kicked up. Silence. Then cheers. In Morocco, hare hunting is legal from October to February, with hunts allowed Friday through Monday. Bag limits vary, but most regions allow 2–5 hares per day. Permits are required, and non-residents must hunt with licensed guides. --- 🏞️ Where It Happens: Morocco’s Best Hare Zones • River Camp (Mohammedia): Rolling fields, eucalyptus groves, and vineyards—ideal hare habitat. • Middle Atlas (Azrou & Ifrane): Cooler climate, cedar forests, and high-altitude terrain. • Souss Valley: Agricultural plains with high hare density. • Rif Mountains: Rocky slopes and dense brush—challenging but rewarding. --- 🔫 Gear and Guns I used a 20-gauge semi-auto, loaded with shot. Lightweight, fast, and perfect for quick targets. Most hunters prefer 12-gauge or 20-gauge for hares. Dogs are essential—pointers, spaniels, or even local breeds trained to freeze and flush. --- 🍽️ After the Hunt: What We Do with the Hare Back at camp, we cleaned the hare and prepared it the traditional way: tajine with olives, preserved lemon, and wild herbs. The meat is lean, earthy, and rich in flavor. Some hunters prefer grilling or stewing, but tajine is the soul of Moroccan cuisine. Locals also use hare meat in pastilla, a savory pie wrapped in phyllo and dusted with cinnamon and sugar—a blend of sweet and savory that surprises every palate. --- 📊 How Many Hares? In a good season, Morocco yields over 300 hares across private estates like River Camp A. But they’re getting rarer. Habitat loss and overhunting have made conservation critical. That’s why bag limits and seasonal closures exist—to protect the balance. --- 🧠 The Culture of Hare Hunting In Morocco, hunting is tied to Berber tradition. It’s not just about the kill—it’s about the chase, the land, and the bond between hunter and dog. Elders pass down techniques, stories, and respect for the game. You don’t waste. You don’t brag. You hunt with purpose. --- ✅ Final Thoughts Hare hunting in Morocco is raw, real, and unforgettable. It’s the crunch of dry earth underfoot, the flash of fur in the brush, the silence before the shot. It’s mint tea at sunset, stories around the fire, and the satisfaction of earning your meal. If you’re looking for a hunt that challenges your reflexes, connects you to tradition, and immerses you in North African wilderness—this is it. https://m.uh.app/news/hare-hunting-in-morocco-an-adventure-for-the-brave-hare-hunting-is-a_R35d0Ka1Ee-qfrvuH2AEDA